Wireless communication device and communication method

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication device that exhibits a function of artificial intelligence or machine learning while maintaining backward compatibility.SOLUTION: A wireless communication device includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a first frame including a first field in which function information is described. The function information includes first information indicating whether or not first signal processing associated with the machine learning can be performed. When the first information described in the first frame indicates that the first signal processing can be performed, a link capable of performing the first signal processing is added.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) continues to update the specifications of the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard, IEEE 802.11, to achieve faster wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communications and more efficient frequency utilization. Wireless LANs enable wireless communications using unlicensed frequency bands, which can be used without a license from a national or regional authority. For personal use, such as at home, wireless Internet access from within a home has become possible by incorporating a wireless LAN access point function into a line termination device for connecting to a WAN (Wide Area Network) line to the Internet, or by connecting a wireless LAN access point device to the line termination device. This allows wireless LAN station devices, such as smartphones and personal computers, to connect to the wireless LAN access point device and access the Internet.

[0003] The IEEE 802.11ax standard was completed in 2021, and wireless LAN devices compliant with this standard, as well as communication devices such as smartphones and personal computers equipped with such wireless LAN devices, have appeared on the market as Wi-Fi 6 (a registered trademark, the name for IEEE 802.11ax-compliant products certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance). Currently, standardization activities for IEEE 802.11be, the successor to IEEE 802.11ax, are underway, and discussions are also underway for its successor, IEEE 802.11bn. With the rapid spread of wireless LAN devices, recent IEEE 802.11 standardization efforts are being considered to further improve throughput per user in environments with densely packed wireless LAN devices.

[0004] In the IEEE 802.11be standardization, discussions are underway regarding multi-link operation (MLO), which enables wireless communication devices to simultaneously maintain multiple link connections using multiple frequency bands, channels, etc. (Non-Patent Document 1). One example of MLO is the simultaneous operation of three link connections in different frequency bands: a 2.4 GHz band connection, a 5 GHz band connection (5.2 GHz band, 5.3 GHz band, 5.6 GHz band, etc.), and a 6 GHz band connection. Of course, the combinations of frequency bands, channels, etc. are not limited to these, and various combinations are possible. From the perspective of frequency bands, in the future, high-frequency bands such as millimeter waves (28 GHz band, 45 GHz band, 60 GHz band, etc.) and (sub)terahertz waves (100 GHz to 300 GHz band) may also be used as one of the links constituting a multi-link. MLO allows wireless communication devices to simultaneously maintain multiple link connections using different wireless resources and communication-related settings. A wireless communication device can not only send and receive frames using multiple links simultaneously, but also switch the link connections for sending and receiving frames, i.e., change the frequency band, without performing a reconnection operation. Each link constituting a multilink is also called a physical layer link. A wireless communication device that supports MLO is called a multi-link device (MLD).

[0005] Furthermore, IEEE 802.11 is discussing the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to wireless communication networks (Non-Patent Document 2). For example, machine learning may reduce the amount of information required to feed back channel state information needed for beamforming. If the transmitter and receiver can share a learning model that can restore the appropriate channel state from the obtained information (or that can express the channel state with a small amount of information), it will be possible to feed back channel state information with a smaller amount of information than before. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] IEEE 802.11-19 / 0773-08-00be, Nov.2019 [Non-patent document 2] IEEE 802.11-22 / 0987r25, Nov. 2023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] If AI and ML as described above are adopted in a new communication standard, and there are other communication standards in the same frequency band that do not support AI and ML, wireless communication devices that support AI and ML will coexist with wireless communication devices that do not. Because backward compatibility must be maintained in wireless LANs, new standards that support AI and ML must also support wireless communication devices that do not support AI and ML. This will pose a challenge as they will not be able to fully utilize the functions of AI and ML as described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The wireless communication device and communication method according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems are as follows.

[0009] (1) That is, a wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a wireless communication device having a plurality of links, and includes a transmitting unit that transmits a first frame including a first field that describes functional information, wherein the functional information includes first information indicating whether or not first signal processing associated with machine learning can be performed, and when the first information described in the first frame indicates that the first signal processing can be performed, a link that can perform the first signal processing is added.

[0010] (2) Furthermore, a wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention is described in (1) above and includes a receiving unit that receives a second frame including a second field that describes functional response information, and the functional response information includes the first information. If the first information described in the second frame indicates that the first signal processing can be performed, the wireless communication device adds a link that can perform the first signal processing.

[0011] (3) Furthermore, a wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention is described in (1) above and includes a receiver that performs carrier sensing, wherein the carrier sensing includes a plurality of processes including at least a first process of measuring received power, a second process of determining whether the received power exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a third process of waiting for transmission for a predetermined time period, and when the first information included in the first frame received by the receiver during the predetermined time period indicates that the first signal processing can be performed, the receiver does not perform at least one of the first process, the second process, and the third process included in the carrier sensing.

[0012] (4) Also, a communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication method for a wireless communication device having a plurality of links, comprising: a step of transmitting a first frame including a first field describing functional information, wherein the functional information includes first information indicating whether or not first signal processing associated with machine learning can be performed; and a step of adding a link capable of performing the first signal processing when the first information described in the first frame indicates that the first signal processing can be performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The wireless communication device and communication method of the present invention enable wireless communication that utilizes the capabilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning while maintaining backward compatibility, thereby contributing to improved frequency utilization efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a MAC layer frame configuration in a wireless LAN system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PPDU configuration related to a wireless LAN system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sounding procedure related to a wireless LAN system. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a station device according to an aspect of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an access point device according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sounding procedure in a wireless communication system according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to an aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The wireless communication system in this embodiment includes an access point device (AP, also referred to as a base station device) and multiple station devices (STA, also referred to as terminal devices). The communication system and network configured with the access point device and the station devices are called a basic service set (BSS, management range). The station device according to this embodiment can have the functions of an access point device. Similarly, the access point device according to this embodiment can have the functions of a station device. Therefore, hereinafter, when simply referring to a communication device or a wireless communication device, the communication device or wireless communication device can refer to both the access point device and the station device.

[0016] The access point device and station devices within the BSS communicate based on CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance). This embodiment focuses on infrastructure mode, in which an access point device communicates with multiple station devices. However, the method of this embodiment can also be implemented in ad hoc mode, in which station devices communicate directly with each other. In ad hoc mode, one station device acts as an access point device to form a BSS. A BSS in ad hoc mode is also referred to as an IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set). Hereinafter, a station device that forms an IBSS in ad hoc mode can also be considered an access point device. The method of this embodiment can also be implemented in Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), in which station devices communicate directly with each other. In Wi-Fi Direct, one station device forms a group in place of an access point device. This station device is called a group owner and can also be considered an access point device.

[0017] In the IEEE 802.11 system, each device can transmit multiple types of frames (communication frames) with a common frame format. The frames are defined in the physical (PHY) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, and logical link control (LLC) layer.

[0018] A PHY layer frame is called a Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU, PHY layer frame). A PPDU consists of a Physical layer header (PHY header) containing information for signal processing at the Physical layer, and a Physical Service Data Unit (PSDU, PHY layer frame), which is the data unit processed at the Physical layer. A PSDU can be configured to include an Aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU), which aggregates multiple MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDU, MAC layer frames), which are the units of retransmission in the wireless section.

[0019] The PHY header includes reference signals such as a short training field (STF) used for signal detection and synchronization, a long training field (LTF) used to acquire channel information for data demodulation, and control signals such as a signal (SIG) containing control information for data demodulation. Depending on the corresponding standard, STFs are classified as Legacy-STF (L-STF), High Throughput-STF (HT-STF), Very High Throughput-STF (VHT-STF), High Eficiency-STF (HE-STF), and Extremely High Throughput-STF (EHT-STF). Similarly, LTFs and SIGs are classified as L-LTF, HT-LTF, VHT-LTF, HE-LTF, L-SIG, HT-SIG, VHT-SIG, HE-SIG, and EHT-SIG. VHT-SIG is further classified into VHT-SIG-A1, VHT-SIG-A2, and VHT-SIG-B. Similarly, HE-SIG is classified into HE-SIG-A1 to HE-SIG-A4 and HE-SIG-B. In addition, assuming technical updates in the same standard, a Universal SIGNAL (U-SIG) field containing additional control information can be included.

[0020] Furthermore, the PHY header can include information for identifying the BSS that is the sender of the frame (hereinafter also referred to as BSS identification information). The information for identifying the BSS can be, for example, the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of the BSS or the MAC address of the access point device of the BSS. The information for identifying the BSS can also be a value unique to the BSS (for example, BSS Color) other than the SSID or MAC address. Information indicating the BSS Color can be included in the HE-SIG-A or U-SIG.

[0021] The PPDU is modulated according to the corresponding standard, for example, in the case of the IEEE 802.11n standard, it is modulated into an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signal.

[0022] An MPDU consists of a MAC header containing information for signal processing at the MAC layer, a MAC Service Data Unit (MSDU) or frame body, which is the data unit processed at the MAC layer, and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS), which checks whether the frame is error-free (Figure 1). Multiple MSDUs can also be aggregated into an Aggregated MSDU (A-MSDU).

[0023] Frame types at the MAC layer are broadly classified into three: management frames, which manage the connection status between devices; control frames, which manage the communication status between devices; and data frames, which contain the actual transmitted data. Each of these is further classified into multiple subframe types. Control frames include acknowledgement (Ack or ACK) frames, block acknowledgement (BA or BlockAck) frames, request to send (RTS) frames, and clear to send (CTS) frames. BlockAck can acknowledge (notify completion of reception) multiple MPDUs. Management frames include beacon frames, probe request frames, probe response frames, authentication frames, association request frames, and association response frames. Data frames include data frames and polling (CF-poll) frames. Each device can recognize the frame type and subframe type of a received frame by reading the frame control field in the MAC header.

[0024] A beacon frame includes a field indicating the period (beacon interval) at which beacons are transmitted and the SSID. An access point device can periodically broadcast a beacon frame within a BSS, and a station device can recognize surrounding access point devices by receiving the beacon frame. The act of a station device recognizing an access point device based on a beacon frame broadcast by an access point device is called passive scanning. On the other hand, the act of a station device searching for an access point device by broadcasting a probe request frame within a BSS is called active scanning. An access point device can transmit a probe response frame in response to the probe request frame, and the content of the probe response frame is the same as the content of the beacon frame.

[0025] After recognizing an access point device, a station device performs a connection process with the access point device. The connection process is classified into an authentication procedure and an association procedure. The station device transmits an authentication request frame to the access point device with which it wishes to connect. Upon receiving the authentication request frame, the access point device transmits an authentication response frame to the station device, which includes a status code indicating whether the station device has been authenticated. By reading the status code included in the authentication response frame, the station device can determine whether its own authentication request has been approved by the access point device. Note that the access point device and station device can exchange authentication request frames and authentication response frames (both of which are collectively referred to as authentication frames) multiple times.

[0026] Following the authentication procedure, the station device transmits a connection request frame to the access point device to initiate a connection procedure. Upon receiving the connection request frame, the access point device determines whether to permit the station device to connect and transmits a connection response frame to notify the result. The connection response frame contains a status code indicating whether the connection process is successful, as well as an association ID (AID) for identifying the station device. The access point device can manage multiple station devices by assigning different AIDs to each station device for which it has issued a connection permission.

[0027] After the connection process is completed, the access point device and station device perform actual data transmission. The IEEE 802.11 system defines the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF), Point Coordination Function (PCF), and their extended Hybrid Coordination Function (HCF) as media access methods. Specific implementation methods for HCF include Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) and HCF Controlled Channel Access (HCCA).

[0028] First, an example of the operation when an access point device transmits a signal to a station device based on DCF will be described. In DCF, the access point device and the station device perform carrier sense (CS) to check the usage status of wireless channels around the device before communication. For example, if an access point device or a station device that is about to transmit a frame receives a signal with a received power higher than a predetermined clear channel assessment level (CCA level) on the wireless channel during the carrier sense period performed prior to transmission, the access point device or the station device postpones the transmission of the frame on the wireless channel. Hereinafter, a state in which a signal with a received power equal to or higher than the CCA level is detected on the wireless channel is referred to as a busy state, and a state in which a signal with a received power equal to or higher than the CCA level is not detected is referred to as an idle state. This CS performed by each device based on the power level of the signal actually received is referred to as physical carrier sense (physical CS). The CCA level is also referred to as a carrier sense level (CS level) or a CCA threshold (CCAT). When the access point device and station device detect a signal with a reception power equal to or higher than the CCA level, they begin to demodulate at least the PHY layer signal.

[0029] An access point device performs carrier sensing during an interframe space (IFS) that is set according to the type of frame to be transmitted, and determines whether the wireless channel is busy or idle. The period during which the access point device performs carrier sensing varies depending on the frame type and subframe type of the frame the access point device is about to transmit. The IEEE 802.11 system defines several IFSs with different durations, including the short interframe space (SIFS) used for frames assigned the highest priority, the polling interframe space (PIFS: PCF IFS) used for frames with relatively high priority, and the distributed arbitration interframe space (DIFS: DCF IFS) used for frames with low priority. When transmitting data frames using DCF, the access point device uses DIFS.

[0030] After waiting for the DIFS period, the access point device further waits for a random backoff time to prevent frame collisions. In the IEEE 802.11 system, a random backoff time based on a contention window (CW) is used. CSMA / CA assumes that a frame transmitted by a transmitting station is received by a receiving station without interference from other transmitting stations. Therefore, if multiple transmitting stations transmit frames at the same time, the frames may collide with each other, potentially preventing the receiving station from receiving the frame correctly. Therefore, frame collisions are avoided by having each transmitting station wait for a randomly set time before starting transmission. When the access point device determines through carrier sense that the wireless channel is idle, it starts counting down a backoff counter set based on the CW. Only when the backoff counter reaches 0 does it acquire the right to transmit and transmit a frame to the station device. If the access point device determines through carrier sense that the wireless channel is busy during the backoff counter countdown, it stops counting down the backoff counter. Then, when the wireless channel becomes idle again, the access point device waits for the same period as the previous IFS, and then resumes counting down the remaining part of the previous backoff counter.

[0031] The receiving station, a station device, receives the frame, reads the PHY header of the frame, and demodulates the received frame. The station device can then determine whether the frame is addressed to itself by reading the MAC header of the demodulated signal. The station device can also determine the destination of the frame based on information contained in the PHY header (e.g., a group identification number (GID: Group Identifier, Group ID) contained in VHT-SIG-A).

[0032] If a station device determines that a received frame is addressed to itself and demodulates the frame without error, it must transmit an Ack frame to the access point device, which is the transmitting station, indicating that the frame was received correctly. The Ack frame is one of the highest-priority frames that is transmitted after waiting only an SIFS period (without a random backoff time). The access point device terminates a series of communications upon receiving an Ack frame from the station device. Note that if the station device does not receive a frame correctly, it will not transmit an Ack frame. Therefore, if the access point device does not receive an Ack frame from the receiving station (station device) within a certain period (SIFS + Ack frame length) after transmitting a frame, it determines that the communication has failed and terminates the communication. In this way, the end of a single communication (also called a burst) in an IEEE 802.11 system is always determined by whether or not an Ack frame is received, except in special cases such as when transmitting a beacon frame or other notification signal, or when fragmentation is used to divide the transmitted data.

[0033] When a station device determines that a received frame is not addressed to itself, it sets a network allocation vector (NAV) based on the length of the frame contained in the PHY header or the like. The station device does not attempt transmission during the period set in the NAV. In other words, the station device performs the same operation as when it determines that the wireless channel is busy based on physical CS during the period set in the NAV, so communication control using NAV is also called virtual carrier sense (virtual CS). In addition to being set based on information contained in the PHY header, the NAV is also set by RTS frames and CTS frames introduced to solve the hidden terminal problem.

[0034] Next, an example of the operation when an access point device transmits a signal to a station device based on PCF will be described. Unlike DCF, in which each device performs carrier sensing and autonomously acquires the transmission right, in PCF, a control station called a Point Coordinator (PC) controls the transmission right of each device within the BSS. Generally, an access point device becomes the PC and acquires the transmission right of a station device within the BSS.

[0035] The communication period by PCF includes a contention-free period (CFP) and a contention period (CP). During the CP, communication is performed based on the DCF described above, and the PC controls the transmission right during the CFP. The access point device, which is the PC, broadcasts a beacon frame including information such as the CFP duration (CFP Max duration) within the BSS prior to PCF communication. Note that the beacon frame broadcast at the start of PCF transmission uses PIFS and is transmitted without waiting for a CW. The station device that receives the beacon frame sets the CFP Max duration included in the beacon frame in its NAV. Thereafter, until the period set in the NAV elapses or a signal announcing the end of the CFP within the BSS (e.g., a data frame including CF-end) is received, the station device can acquire the transmission right only when it receives a signal signaling acquisition of the transmission right for itself (e.g., a data frame including CF-poll) from the PC. During the CFP period, no packet collisions occur within the same BSS, so each station device does not take the random backoff time used in DCF.

[0036] A wireless communication device has either or both of a function for transmitting and receiving a PPDU. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a PPDU transmitted by a wireless communication device. A PPDU conforming to the IEEE 802.11a / g standard is configured to include an L-STF, an L-LTF, an L-SIG, and a Data frame (MAC frame, payload, data section, data, information bits, etc.). A PPDU conforming to the IEEE 802.11n standard is configured to include an L-STF, an L-LTF, an L-SIG, an HT-SIG, an HT-STF, an HT-LTF, and a Data frame. A PPDU conforming to the IEEE 802.11ac standard is configured to include some or all of an L-STF, an L-LTF, an L-SIG, a VHT-SIG-A, a VHT-STF, a VHT-LTF, a VHT-SIG-B, and a Data frame. The PPDU conforming to the IEEE 802.11ax standard is configured to include some or all of the following: L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG (which is a time-repeated L-SIG), HE-SIG-A, HE-STF, HE-LTF, HE-SIG-B, and Data frames.The PPDU considered for the IEEE 802.11be standard is configured to include some or all of the following: L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, EHT-SIG, EHT-STF, HET-LTF, and Data frames.

[0037] The L-STF, L-LTF, and L-SIG enclosed by dotted lines in Figure 2 are structures commonly used in the IEEE 802.11 standard (hereinafter, L-STF, L-LTF, and L-SIG are also collectively referred to as the L-header). For example, a wireless communication device conforming to the IEEE 802.11a / g standard can properly receive an L-header in a PPDU conforming to the IEEE 802.11n / ac / ax / be standard. A wireless communication device conforming to the IEEE 802.11a / g standard can receive a PPDU conforming to the IEEE 802.11n / ac / ax / be standard, treating it as a PPDU conforming to the IEEE 802.11a / g standard.

[0038] However, wireless communication devices that comply with the IEEE 802.11a / g standard cannot demodulate PPDUs that comply with the IEEE 802.11n / ac / ax / be standards that follow the L-header, and therefore cannot demodulate information related to the transmitter address (TA), receiver address (RA), duration / ID field, etc.

[0039] IEEE 802.11 specifies a method for inserting duration information into L-SIG as a method for wireless communication devices conforming to the IEEE 802.11a / g standard to appropriately set NAV (or perform reception for a predetermined period of time). Information about the transmission rate in the L-SIG (RATE field, L-RATE field, L-RATE, L_DATARATE, L_DATARATE field) and information about the transmission duration (LENGTH field, L-LENGTH field, L-LENGTH) are used by wireless communication devices conforming to the IEEE 802.11a / g standard to appropriately set NAV.

[0040] The wireless communication device can transmit the L-SIG multiple times (L-SIG Repetition). In this case, the receiving wireless communication device can improve the demodulation accuracy of the L-SIG by receiving the L-SIG transmitted multiple times using Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC), for example. Furthermore, when the wireless communication device has successfully received the L-SIG using MRC, it can interpret the PPDU including the L-SIG as a PPDU that complies with the IEEE 802.11ax or IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0041] Even while receiving a PPDU, the wireless communication device can receive a part of a PPDU other than the PPDU (for example, a preamble, L-STF, L-LTF, PHY header, etc., as defined by IEEE 802.11) (also referred to as a dual reception operation). When the wireless communication device detects a part of a PPDU other than the PPDU during the PPDU reception operation, the wireless communication device can update some or all of the information related to the destination address, source address, PPDU, or Data period.

[0042] Ack and BA can also be called responses (response frames). In addition, probe responses, authentication responses, and connection responses can also be called responses.

[0043] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sounding procedure for the purpose of channel estimation of a wireless communication path in IEEE 802.11ax. In the example in Fig. 3, an access point device (AP) first transmits a Null Data PPDU (NDP) Announcement frame 3001 that specifies information indicating a station device (STA) that will be the target of the sounding to be performed (the receiver of the sounding frame) and the type of feedback information. The access point device then transmits an NDP frame 3002 including a training field for channel estimation SIFS after the NDP Announcement frame. The station device performs channel estimation based on the received NDP frame 3002 and transmits a frame, such as a Compressed Beamforming / CQI frame 3003, that feeds back the channel estimation result to the access point device SIFS after the NDP frame 3002. [1. First embodiment]

[0044] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication system according to this embodiment. Wireless communication system 4003-1 includes wireless communication device 4001-1 and wireless communication devices 4002-1 to 4002-3. Wireless communication device 4001-1 is also referred to as access point device 4001-1, and wireless communication devices 4002-1 to 4002-3 are also referred to as station devices 4002-1 to 3. Wireless communication devices 4002-1 to 4002-3 (station devices 4002-1 to 4002-3) are also referred to as wireless communication device 4002A (station device 4002A) as devices connected to wireless communication device 4001-1. Wireless communication device 4001-1 and wireless communication device 4002A are wirelessly connected, and are capable of transmitting and receiving PPDUs to and from each other. The wireless communication system according to this embodiment may also include wireless communication system 4003-2 in addition to wireless communication system 4003-1. Wireless communication system 4003-2 includes wireless communication device 4001-2 and wireless communication devices 4002-4 to 4002-6. Wireless communication device 4001-2 is also referred to as access point device 4001-2, and wireless communication devices 4002-4 to 4002-6 are also referred to as station devices 4002-4 to 4002-6. Wireless communication devices 4002-4 to 4002-6 (station devices 4002-4 to 4002-6) are also referred to as wireless communication device 4002B (station device 4002B) as devices connected to wireless communication device 4001-2. Furthermore, wireless communication device 4001-1 and wireless communication device 4001-2 (access point devices 4001-1, 4001-6) will also be referred to as wireless communication device 4001 (access point device 4001) when described without specifying each individual device, and wireless communication devices 4002-1 to 4002-6 (station devices 4002-1 to 4002-6) will also be referred to as wireless communication device 4002 (station device 4002) when described without specifying each individual device. Wireless communication system 4003-1 and wireless communication system 4003-2 form different BSSs, but this does not necessarily mean that the ESSs (Extended Service Sets) representing service sets forming LANs (Local Area Networks) are different.In other words, wireless communication devices belonging to the same ESS can be regarded as belonging to the same network from a higher layer. Also, BSSs are connected via a DS (Distribution System) to form an ESS. Note that each of the wireless communication systems 4003-1 and 4003-2 can further include multiple wireless communication devices.

[0045] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of station device 4002. Station device 4002 includes a radio control unit (radio control step) 5001, a timer unit (timer step) 5002, a radio communication unit (radio communication step) 5003, and an antenna unit 5004. Furthermore, radio communication unit 5003 includes a physical layer frame generation unit (physical layer frame generation step) 5003a, a radio transmission unit (radio transmission step) 5003b, a radio reception unit (radio reception step) 5003c, a received power measurement unit (received power measurement step) 5003d, a channel estimation unit (channel estimation step) 5003e, and a signal demodulation unit (signal demodulation step) 5003f.

[0046] The wireless control unit 5001 performs information processing on layers higher than the physical layer, such as the MAC layer and LLC layer, for information handled within the wireless communication device itself (such as information related to frames to be transmitted and MIB (Management Information Base)) and frames received from other wireless communication devices, and also controls the wireless communication unit 5003.

[0047] Timer unit 5002 includes one or more timers and manages the timers related to the sounding process. Details of timer unit 5002 will be described later. Note that, in the example of Fig. 5, timer unit 5002 is shown as being included in wireless control unit 5001, but is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to be provided outside wireless control unit 5001 and to operate under control from wireless control unit 5001.

[0048] The physical layer frame generation unit 5003a has a function of generating a physical layer frame (PPDU). The physical layer frame generation unit 5003a performs error correction coding, modulation, beamforming processing (precoding processing), etc. on the MAC layer frame sent from the wireless control unit 5001. The beamforming processing may be realized by multiplying the modulated signal by a beamforming matrix (beamforming filter) notified by the wireless control unit 5001. The physical layer frame generation unit 5003a outputs the generated physical layer frame to the wireless transmission unit 5003b.

[0049] The wireless transmitting unit 5003b converts the physical layer frame input from the physical frame generating unit 5003a into a signal in the radio frequency (RF) band and generates a wireless signal. The processing performed by the wireless transmitting unit 5003b includes digital-to-analog conversion, filtering, frequency conversion from baseband frequency to wireless frequency, etc. The wireless transmitting unit 5003b transmits the generated wireless signal via the antenna unit 5004.

[0050] The wireless receiving unit 5003c has a function of converting a wireless signal received via the antenna unit 5004 into a baseband signal and generating a physical layer signal (e.g., a physical layer frame). The processing performed by the wireless receiving unit 5003c includes frequency conversion processing from a wireless frequency to a baseband frequency, filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, etc. The physical layer signal, which is the received signal converted into a digital signal by the wireless receiving unit 5003c, is input to a received power measuring unit 5003d, a channel estimating unit 5003e, and a signal demodulating unit 5003f.

[0051] The received power measurement unit 5003d measures the received power of the received signal input from the wireless receiving unit 5003c. The received power measurement unit 5003d can measure the received power of the radio wave received on the frequency channel to be measured, the received power of the LTF of the received physical layer frame, etc. The received power measurement unit 5003d can notify the wireless control unit 5001 of the measurement result of the received power.

[0052] The channel estimation unit 5003e estimates the channel state through which the physical layer frame has propagated, based on a received signal of an LTF (L-LTF, HT-LTF, VHT-LTF, HE-LTF, etc.) included in the physical layer frame received by the wireless receiving unit 5003c. The channel estimation unit 5003e can notify the signal demodulation unit 5003f and the wireless control unit 5001 of the channel estimation result.

[0053] The signal demodulation unit 5003f performs channel equalization, demodulation, error correction decoding, etc. on the physical layer frame received by the wireless receiving unit 5003c, and acquires information such as the PHY header and MAC layer frame. The channel equalization process can use the channel estimation results of the channel estimator 5003e, etc. The signal demodulation unit 5003f outputs the acquired PHY header and MAC layer frame to the wireless control unit 5001.

[0054] The wireless control unit 5001 can perform physical carrier sensing and virtual carrier sensing based on the received power measurement result in the received power measuring unit 5003d and the information acquired in the signal demodulation unit 5003f, and can determine the state of the wireless channel (including determining whether it is in an idle state or a busy state). The wireless control unit 5001 can notify the wireless communication unit 5003 of this wireless channel state determination information.

[0055] When there is control information, data, or the like to be transmitted, the wireless control unit 5001 can start a backoff procedure using the wireless channel state determination information. The wireless control unit 5001 generates a backoff counter based on the CW and has a countdown function for the backoff counter. For example, when the wireless channel state determination information indicates an idle state, the wireless control unit 5001 can countdown the backoff counter, and when the wireless channel state determination information indicates a busy state, the wireless control unit 5001 can stop the countdown. Furthermore, the wireless control unit 5001 makes a transmission decision using either the wireless channel state determination information or the backoff counter value, or both. For example, when the wireless channel state determination information indicates an idle state and the backoff counter value is 0, the wireless control unit 5001 can notify the wireless communication unit 5003 of transmission decision information. Furthermore, when the wireless resource state determination information indicates an idle state, the wireless control unit 5001 can notify the wireless communication unit 5003 of transmission decision information.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an access point device 4001. The access point device 4001 includes a wireless control unit (wireless control step) 6001, a wireless communication unit (wireless communication step) 5003, and an antenna unit 5004. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 5003 includes a physical layer frame generation unit (physical layer frame generation step) 5003a, a wireless transmission unit (wireless transmission step) 5003b, a wireless reception unit (wireless reception step) 5003c, a received power measurement unit (received power measurement step) 5003d, a channel estimation unit (channel estimation step) 5003e, and a signal demodulation unit (signal demodulation step) 5003f. The access point device 4001 in FIG. 6 is basically configured similarly to the station device 4002 in FIG. 5. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences between the two, and will omit a description of similar parts. Furthermore, parts corresponding to those in the station device in FIG. 5 will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0057] The wireless control unit 6001 performs information processing for layers higher than the physical layer, such as the MAC layer and LLC layer, for information handled within the wireless communication device itself (such as information related to frames to be transmitted and MIB (Management Information Base)) and frames received from other wireless communication devices, and also controls the wireless communication unit 5003.

[0058] The physical layer frame generation unit 5003a has a function of generating a physical layer frame (PPDU). The physical layer frame generation unit 5003a performs error correction coding, modulation, beamforming processing (precoding processing), etc. on the MAC layer frame sent from the wireless control unit 6001. The beamforming processing may be realized by multiplying the modulated signal by a beamforming matrix (beamforming filter) notified by the wireless control unit 6001. The physical layer frame generation unit 5003a outputs the generated physical layer frame to the wireless transmission unit 5003b.

[0059] The received power measurement unit 5003d measures the received power of the received signal input from the wireless receiving unit 5003c. The received power measurement unit 5003d can measure the received power of radio waves received on the frequency channel to be measured, the received power of the LTF (L-LTF, HT-LTF, VHT-LTF, HE-LTF, etc.) of the received physical layer frame, etc. The received power measurement unit 5003d can notify the wireless control unit 6001 of the measurement result of the received power.

[0060] The channel estimation unit 5003e estimates the channel state through which the physical layer frame has propagated, based on the received signal of the LTF included in the physical layer frame received by the wireless receiving unit 5003c. The channel estimation unit 5003e can notify the signal demodulation unit 5003f and the wireless control unit 6001 of the channel estimation result.

[0061] The signal demodulation unit 5003f performs channel equalization, demodulation, error correction decoding, etc. on the physical layer frame received by the wireless receiving unit 5003c, and acquires information such as the PHY header and MAC layer frame. The channel equalization process can use the channel estimation results of the channel estimator 5003e, etc. The signal demodulation unit 5003f outputs the acquired PHY header and MAC layer frame to the wireless control unit 6001.

[0062] When there is control information, data, a beacon, or the like to be transmitted, the wireless control unit 6001 can start a backoff procedure using the wireless channel state determination information. The wireless control unit 6001 generates a backoff counter based on the CW and has a countdown function for the backoff counter. For example, when the wireless channel state determination information indicates an idle state, the wireless control unit 6001 can countdown the backoff counter, and when the wireless channel state determination information indicates a busy state, the wireless control unit 6001 can stop the countdown. Furthermore, the wireless control unit 6001 makes a transmission decision using either the wireless channel state determination information or the backoff counter value, or both. For example, when the wireless channel state determination information indicates an idle state and the backoff counter value is 0, the wireless control unit 6001 can notify the wireless communication unit 5003 of transmission decision information. Furthermore, when the wireless resource state determination information indicates an idle state, the wireless control unit 6001 can notify the wireless communication unit 5003 of transmission decision information.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sounding procedure in the wireless communication system according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 assumes that a wireless link (first wireless link) between the access point device 4001 and the station device 4002 has been established, and shows an example of a communication flow in the wireless link on the left side, and an example of a state transition of timer 5002-1 (also referred to as the first timer) included in the timer unit 5002 of the station device 4002 on the right side. Also, in Fig. 7, timer 5002-1 is assumed to be in an inactive state (7101) at the start.

[0064] The access point device 4001 generates control information (first control information) including setting information for a timer 5002-1 included in the station device 4002, conditions for transmitting a sounding frame from the station device 4002, and the like, and transmits a radio frame 7001 including the control information to the station device 4002. The setting information for the timer 5002-1 may include a timer count initial value, a timer count expiration value, timer activation instruction information, timer reset instruction information, timer reset timing information, and the like.

[0065] Upon receiving a radio frame 7001 including first control information, the station device 4002 acquires the first control information included in the radio frame 7001, sets an initial timer count value for the timer 5002-1 in accordance with the first control information, and activates the timer (7002). Activation 7002 resets the timer 5002-1 to its initial timer count value, transitions the timer from an inactive state 7101 to an active state 7102, and starts a countdown operation. The timer 5002-1 continues counting down while in the active state. Note that, in FIG. 7, an example has been described in which the setting of the initial timer count value for the timer 5002-1, resetting, activation, and countdown start are all performed at once upon receiving the radio frame 7001. However, this is not limiting. For example, the setting and resetting of the initial timer count value, activation, and countdown start may each be triggered by a different radio frame (or the control information included in the different radio frames).

[0066] 7, timer 5002-1 is assumed to be a countdown timer, and an example has been described in which timer 5002-1 is reset to a preset timer count initial value and reaches an expiration state when the count reaches 0, but this is not limiting, and for example, the timer count expiration value may be separately set to a value other than 0. Alternatively, timer 5002-1 may be configured as a count-up timer that is initialized to a count of 0 when reset and reaches an expiration state when the count reaches a preset timer count expiration value.

[0067] When the station device 4002 receives a radio frame (first radio frame) 7003 requiring a response and detects no errors in the radio frame 7003, it transmits an Ack frame 7004 as a response frame to the radio frame 7003, and then transmits a sounding frame 7005 (hereinafter, a sounding frame transmitted via the first radio link will also be referred to as the first sounding frame) and resets (7006) the timer 5002-1 to its initial timer count value. The reset timer 5002-1 remains active (7103) and starts counting down from its initial timer count value. The timing for resetting (7006) the timer 5002-1 is not limited to the time of transmission of the sounding frame 7005, but can be set to any time between the time of transmitting the Ack frame 7004 and the time of transmitting the sounding frame 7005, as long as the effect is not changed.

[0068] The radio frame requiring a response is not limited to a data frame, but may be a frame containing control information requiring a response. The Ack frame 7004 and the sounding frame 7005 are preferably transmitted at SIFS intervals, but this is not limiting, and other IFS intervals used for high priority transmissions may also be used. Furthermore, the Ack frame and the sounding frame may be transmitted concatenated. Alternatively, a new frame combining the Ack frame and the sounding frame may be defined and transmitted.

[0069] Sounding frame 7005 may be transmitted and timer 5002-1 may be reset only if the count of timer 5002-1 has reached a predetermined value (or is less than or equal to the predetermined value) when radio frame 7003 is received. In this case, sounding frame transmission is suppressed when timer 5002-1 has not reached the predetermined value, i.e., when the time elapsed since the previous sounding frame transmission is less than the predetermined time, thereby reducing the overhead caused by sounding frame transmission.

[0070] The radio frame 7003 may be a data frame for transmitting an A-MPDU in which multiple MPDUs are aggregated, and the Ack frame may be a BlockAck frame. When a BlockAck frame is used, the sounding frame 7005 may be transmitted and the timer 5002-1 may be reset only if the number or ratio of acknowledgments included in the BlockAck is less than a predetermined value. In this case, if the timer 5002-1 has not yet expired and the radio link condition is good, the transmission of the sounding frame is suppressed, thereby reducing the overhead caused by the sounding frame transmission.

[0071] Next, an example will be described in which the access point device 4001 and the station device 4002 support multi-link operation (MLO), in which communication is performed simultaneously using two wireless links: a first wireless link and a second wireless link that uses a frequency band (or frequency channel) different from that of the first wireless link. Note that MLO is not limited to two wireless links, and multiple wireless links in different frequency bands (or frequency channels) can be used.

[0072] A multi-link device (MLD) is a device capable of multi-link communication through multi-link operation, and an access point device that supports MLO is referred to as an MLD access point device, and a station device that supports MLO is referred to as an MLD station device. Furthermore, MLD access point devices and MLD station devices are collectively referred to as MLD wireless communication devices. In this embodiment, wireless communication devices 4001-1, 4001-2, 4002A, and 4002B described above are described as MLD wireless communication devices, but in actual operation, not all wireless communication devices in a wireless communication system necessarily support MLO.

[0073] The MLD access point device 10001 and MLD station device 10002 will be described using Figure 8. An MLD wireless communication device is composed of multiple sub-wireless communication devices corresponding to the frequency bands (or frequency channels) of each wireless link (also called a physical layer link) that constitutes a multilink. Each sub-wireless communication device may be compatible with all frequency bands (and frequency channels) supported by the MLD wireless communication device, or each may be compatible with one of the frequency bands (or frequency channels). Figure 8 shows an example in which the MLD access point device 10001 is composed of two sub-wireless communication devices, in this case two sub-access point devices 10001-1 and 10001-2, and a multilink control unit 10011, but the number of sub-access point devices may be any number greater than or equal to two. Note that, hereinafter, when any one of the multiple sub-access point devices is described as a representative, it will be referred to as sub-access point device 10001-N. 8 shows an example in which the MLD station device 10002 is similarly configured with two sub-wireless communication devices, in this case two substation devices 10002-1 and 10002-2, and a multilink control unit 10012, but the number of substation devices may be any number equal to or greater than two. Note that, hereinafter, when any one of the multiple substation devices is described as a representative, it will be referred to as substation device 10002-N. Furthermore, the sub-wireless communication devices (sub-access point devices and substation devices) may be configured with a portion of the circuitry within the wireless communication device, and may be referred to as sub-wireless communication units (sub-access point units, substation units).

[0074] 8 shows an example in which multiple sub-wireless communication devices are configured as logically separate blocks, but they may be physically configured as a single wireless communication device. Alternatively, multiple sub-wireless communication devices may be configured as physically separate devices. In this embodiment, a case in which each sub-wireless communication device is configured as a physically separate device will be described as an example.

[0075] The number of sub-access point devices included in one MLD access point device and the number of substation devices included in one MLD station device may vary depending on the grade, class, capabilities, etc. of each MLD wireless communication device. The higher the grade, class, and capabilities of an MLD wireless communication device, the more sub-wireless communication devices (sub-access point devices, substation devices) it may have. In other words, for each MLD wireless communication device existing in one wireless communication system, the sub-wireless communication devices (sub-access point devices, substation devices) that make up each MLD wireless communication device may differ depending on the grade, class, capabilities, etc., and the numbers of these devices do not have to be the same.

[0076] Substation apparatus 10002-1 associates with sub-access point apparatus 10001-1 and establishes wireless link 10003-1 (first wireless link), while substation apparatus 10002-2 associates with sub-access point apparatus 10001-2 and establishes wireless link 10003-2 (second wireless link).

[0077] The configuration of sub-access point devices 10001-N in Fig. 8 is the same as the configuration of access point device 4001 in Fig. 6, except that a multi-link control unit 10011 is connected to a wireless control unit 6001 of each sub-access point device 10001-N. The multi-link control unit 10011 controls the wireless links for each sub-access point device 10001-N and exchanges control information and transmitted / received data with each sub-access point device 10001-N. The multi-link control unit 10011 distributes transmitted data frames to sub-access point devices 10001-1 and 10001-2, i.e., wireless links 10003-1 and 10003-2, and aggregates received data frames from sub-access point devices 10001-1 and 10001-2, i.e., wireless links 10003-1 and 10003-2.

[0078] 8 is the same as the configuration of the station device 4002 in FIG. 5, except that a multilink control unit 10012 is connected to a wireless control unit 5001 of each substation device 10002-N. The multilink control unit 10012 controls wireless links for each substation device 10002-N and exchanges control information and transmitted / received data with each substation device 10002-N. The multilink control unit 10012 distributes transmitted data frames to each of the substation devices 10002-1 and 10002-2, i.e., wireless links 10003-1 and 10003-2, and aggregates received data frames from each of the substation devices 10002-1 and 10002-2, i.e., wireless links 10003-1 and 10003-2.

[0079] In the following explanation, for the sake of simplicity, an example will be described in which the wireless links constituting the multilink are two, wireless link 10003-1 (first wireless link) and wireless link 10003-2 (second wireless link), but the present invention is not limited to this and can be similarly applied to cases in which the number of wireless links is three or more. Also, an example will be described in which the frequency band of the first wireless link is 2.4 GHz and the frequency band of the second wireless link is 5 GHz, but the frequency band used by each wireless link can be set arbitrarily from frequency bands (or frequency channels) supported by the wireless communication system, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz, and these may change according to the laws and regulations of each country.

[0080] The communication device according to this embodiment is capable of performing signal processing (first signal processing) utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). The first signal processing in this embodiment refers to signal processing in which a predetermined algorithm is applied to a predetermined input to obtain a predetermined output. The first signal processing includes signal processing using AI, machine learning (ML), and reinforcement learning. The first signal processing includes a method using a neural network. The neural network assumed in this embodiment is not limited to any particular type, but includes, for example, an autoencoder, an autoencoder, and an encoder.

[0081] The first signal processing that can be performed by the communication device according to the present embodiment is not limited to any particular processing. For example, the communication device according to the present embodiment can perform signal processing related to channel access as the first signal processing. In a wireless LAN targeted by the present embodiment, each communication device performs carrier sense prior to transmitting a frame, secures a wireless medium, and then transmits the frame. In conventional carrier sense, the communication device measures the received power (first process) and determines whether the wireless medium is secureable based on whether the measured received power exceeds a predetermined value (threshold) (second process). Even if it is determined that the wireless medium is secureable, the communication device waits for a predetermined time period to avoid frame collisions that may occur when a neighboring communication device that also determines that the wireless medium is secure simultaneously transmits frames (third process). However, in conventional carrier sense, hidden terminal problems and exposed terminal problems can occur due to the relative positions of the communication devices, resulting in frame collisions and unnecessary transmission waits, thereby reducing frequency utilization efficiency.

[0082] Therefore, a communication device according to this embodiment can learn surrounding interference conditions and communication quality under those interference conditions as a first signal processing, and perform channel access (frame transmission) based on the results. Here, communication quality includes the reception quality of the frame transmitted by the device itself and the transmission right acquisition rate of surrounding communication devices. Specifically, in the case of machine learning, a data set associating surrounding interference conditions with communication quality under those interference conditions is shared between communication devices. Prior to transmitting a frame, the communication device inputs the surrounding interference conditions into an algorithm based on the data set, and transmits the frame if the resulting predicted communication quality exceeds a predetermined value. In other words, the communication device according to this embodiment can transmit frames based on the first signal processing, replacing conventional carrier sense, thereby reducing delay time compared to conventional methods.

[0083] The communication device according to this embodiment can further perform signal processing related to channel access as a first signal processing. In the wireless LAN targeted by this embodiment, each communication device performs carrier sensing and secures the wireless medium before transmitting a frame, and then transmits the frame. The period during which the wireless medium can be secured (TXOP) is based on the frame length of the frame to be transmitted and the frame length of the frame caused to the communication destination communication device. However, since the length of the TXOP is the time the wireless medium is occupied, securing an unnecessarily long TXOP reduces the transmission right acquisition rate of surrounding communication devices. On the other hand, securing a short TXOP increases the overhead related to frame transmission. This is because overhead, such as header information added to a frame, is constant regardless of the frame length, so a short TXOP (short frame) results in a relatively large overhead.

[0084] The communication device according to the present embodiment can set the TXOP length according to the surrounding interference conditions, etc., as a first signal processing. For example, the communication device according to the present embodiment shares with surrounding communication devices a data set that associates the surrounding interference conditions, the traffic volume held by the device itself (or the communication device of the communication destination that originates the frame), the communication quality (throughput) of the device itself (or the communication device of the communication destination that originates the frame), the communication quality (transmission right acquisition rate) of the surrounding communication devices, and the TXOP to be secured. Prior to transmitting a frame, the communication device according to the present embodiment inputs the surrounding interference conditions and the traffic volume held by the device into an algorithm based on the data set, and secures the TXOP for the optimal time interval obtained as a result. That is, the communication device according to the present embodiment can determine the TXOP length based on the first signal processing, replacing the conventional frame length criteria, and can therefore use the wireless medium more efficiently than before.

[0085] A communication device according to this embodiment can perform signal processing related to channel state information (CSI) as first signal processing. According to conventional methods, when a communication device feeds back a channel matrix as CSI, the communication device quantizes an estimated complex channel gain and then feeds back the quantized gain. In the first signal processing, for example, a data set associating the complex channel gain with quantized information of a predetermined number of bits is shared between communication devices. The communication device can input the estimated complex channel gain to an algorithm based on the data set and transmit the resulting predicted quantized information to a communication device to which the feedback is to be sent. Furthermore, the communication device according to this embodiment can calculate feedback information by applying first signal processing using an autoencoder to compress the estimated complex channel gain so that it can be restored with a desired quality in the communication device to which the feedback is to be sent. That is, the communication device according to this embodiment suppresses feedback information based on the first signal processing instead of conventional quantization, thereby reducing feedback-related overhead compared to conventional methods.

[0086] As described above, the communication device according to this embodiment can improve communication quality, frequency utilization efficiency, and the rate at which surrounding communication devices acquire the transmission right by using the first signal processing. However, this requires that not only the communication device according to this embodiment but also the surrounding communication devices be able to perform the first signal processing. For example, in the case of carrier sense, even if the communication device according to this embodiment determines that it can transmit a frame using the first signal processing, if there is a surrounding communication device that cannot perform the first signal processing, the communication device may also determine that it can transmit a frame, resulting in a frame collision. In a communication system that maintains backward compatibility, this situation can always occur.

[0087] Therefore, the communication device according to this embodiment determines whether to perform the first signal processing based on whether the surrounding communication devices are compatible with the first signal processing.

[0088] As a specific method, the communication device according to this embodiment sets, as functional information, whether or not the first signal processing is possible for multiple links used for communication. For example, an access point broadcasts information about multiple links available for communication using a beacon frame or the like, and at this time, the information about the links can include information indicating that the first signal processing is possible for the links. Hereinafter, a link for which the first signal processing is possible will also be referred to as an AIaidedLink. Furthermore, a frame in which functional information indicating whether or not the first signal processing is possible is written in a predetermined field (first field) will also be referred to as a first frame. Furthermore, functional information indicating whether or not the first signal processing is possible will also be referred to as first information.

[0089] When performing the first signal processing, the communication device according to this embodiment adds a link determined to be an AIaidedLink based on the received control information to the device as a link available to the device, and performs the first signal processing on the link. A communication terminal that cannot perform the first signal processing cannot add the AIaidedLink as a link available to the device, so the communication device according to this embodiment can perform the first signal processing on the AIaidedLink without any problems. A communication terminal that cannot perform the first signal processing can simply add a link that is not an AIaidedLink as an available link to the device, ensuring backward compatibility.

[0090] In order to add an AIaidedLink as a link available to the communication device itself, the communication device according to this embodiment can request a frame (second frame) including function response information indicating that the link is capable of the first signal processing from a destination communication device or a connection candidate communication device. The communication device according to this embodiment can request information about the links available to each of the destination communication device or the connection candidate communication device. When the communication device receives a request for information about the available links, the communication device can transmit a frame in which, when transmitting the function information of each link, the function response information indicating whether each link can perform the first signal processing is written in a predetermined field (second field).

[0091] Furthermore, in the case where there are communication devices that cannot recognize the functional information of multiple links used for communication or that cannot use multiple links, the communication device according to this embodiment needs to protect those communication devices. Therefore, the communication device according to this embodiment can secure the wireless medium for a predetermined period of time using a method that does not use the first signal processing before performing the first signal processing, and can perform the first signal processing within the predetermined period of time. For example, the communication device according to this embodiment can transmit an RTS frame, an MU-RTS frame, a CTS-to-self frame, or a frame equivalent thereto before performing the first signal processing, and can perform the first signal processing if the wireless medium is secured (in the case of an RTS frame or an MU-RTS frame, if at least one response frame is received).

[0092] Furthermore, when transmitting a frame, the communication device according to this embodiment can include control information indicating that the frame was transmitted using the first signal processing in the header of the PHY layer, the MAC layer, or both. Of course, if the communication devices can understand each other, the control information can also be included in the payload. For example, when the first signal processing is used for CSI feedback, the communication device according to this embodiment can include information indicating that the first signal processing was used in a frame transmitting feedback information and transmit the frame. If the communication device receiving the frame cannot perform the first signal processing, the communication device receiving the frame can discard the frame or can transmit a frame requesting feedback information that does not use the first signal processing to the communication device that transmitted the frame.

[0093] Furthermore, the communication device according to the present embodiment can request a destination communication device to perform first signal processing. For example, when the communication device according to the present embodiment transmits a trigger frame that triggers a frame to the destination communication device, the communication device can include information in the trigger frame requesting the destination communication device to transmit a frame using the first signal processing. Furthermore, when the communication device according to the present embodiment transmits a frame requesting CSI feedback or transmits a reference signal frame (non-data frame) necessary for calculating CSI feedback information, the communication device can include information in the frame requesting that the feedback information be generated based on the first signal processing and transmit the frame.

[0094] When a communication device according to this embodiment requests a communication device with which it is communicating to perform first signal processing, the communication device can select at least one first signal processing from a plurality of first signal processings. For example, the communication device according to this embodiment can share a plurality of first signal processings (e.g., a plurality of encoders, a plurality of neural networks, a plurality of parameters, etc.) with surrounding communication devices. Then, when the communication device requests feedback of CSI, it requests that information to be fed back be calculated based on at least one of the shared plurality of first signal processings. The communication device can include a predetermined field in a frame requesting feedback, and can describe information indicating the requested first signal processing in the predetermined field.

[0095] Furthermore, the communication device according to the present embodiment can include information associated with the first signal processing in frames related to connection (beacon frames, association frames, authentication frames, etc.). For example, the communication device according to the present embodiment can include information indicating that the first signal processing will be performed in a probe request frame. A communication device (access point) that receives the probe request frame can return a response frame to the probe request frame if the device supports the first signal processing or if the device is attempting to perform the first signal processing. If the device does not support the first signal processing or if the device does not perform the first signal processing, the communication device can discard the probe request frame and can transmit a rejection frame in response to the response frame. In this case, the rejection frame can include information indicating that the first signal processing is not supported or that the first signal processing will not be performed as a rejection reason.

[0096] According to the method described above, the communication device of this embodiment can use the first signal processing while maintaining backward compatibility, thereby contributing to improving the frequency utilization efficiency of the device itself and the transmission right acquisition rate of surrounding communication devices. [2. Common to all embodiments]

[0097] The communication device according to the present invention can communicate in a frequency band (frequency spectrum) called an unlicensed band, which does not require permission to use from a country or region, but the usable frequency band is not limited to this. The communication device according to the present invention can also be effective in a frequency band called a white band (for example, a frequency band allocated for television broadcasting but unused in some regions) that is not actually used for the purpose of preventing interference between frequencies even though permission to use it for a specific service is granted by a country or region, or in a shared spectrum (shared frequency band) that is expected to be shared by multiple operators.

[0098] The program running on the wireless communication device according to the present invention is a program that controls a CPU and other components (a program that causes a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in RAM during processing, and then stored in various ROMs or HDDs, from which the CPU reads, modifies, and writes the information as needed. Recording media for storing the programs may include semiconductor media (e.g., ROMs, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media (e.g., DVDs, MOs, MDs, CDs, BDs, etc.), and magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tapes, flexible disks, etc.). Executing a loaded program not only realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, but may also realize the functions of the present invention by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs based on instructions from the program.

[0099] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored and distributed on a portable recording medium, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer also falls within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, part or all of the communication device in the above-described embodiments may be realized as an LSI, which is typically an integrated circuit. Each functional block of the communication device may be individually formed into a chip, or part or all of the functional blocks may be integrated into a chip. When each functional block is formed into an integrated circuit, an integrated circuit control unit that controls them is added. It goes without saying that the present invention also includes cases where programs and setting information are downloaded from a server computer to implement at least part of the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0100] Furthermore, the integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, it may also be possible to use an integrated circuit based on that technology.

[0101] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The wireless communication device of the present invention is not limited to application to mobile station devices, but can of course be applied to stationary or non-mobile electronic devices installed indoors or outdoors, such as AV equipment, kitchen equipment, cleaning / washing equipment, air conditioning equipment, office equipment, vending machines, and other household appliances.

[0102] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included in the scope of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The present invention is suitable for use in a wireless communication device and a communication method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 3001 NDP Announcement Frame 3002 NDP Frame 3003 Compressed Beamforming / CQI Frame 4001-1, 4001-2 Wireless communication device (access point device) 4002-1~6 Wireless communication equipment (station equipment) 4003-1, 4003-2 Wireless communication systems 5001 Radio control unit 5002 Timer section 5003 Wireless Communication Department 5003a Physical layer frame generator 5003b Radio transmitter 5003c Wireless receiver 5003d Received power measurement unit 5003e Channel Estimation Unit 5003f signal demodulation unit 5004 Antenna part 6001 Radio control unit 10001 MLD access point device 10001-1, 10001-2, 10001-N sub-access point devices 10002 MLD station equipment 10002-1, 10002-2, 10002-N Substation Equipment 10011, 10012 Multi-link control unit

Claims

1. A wireless communication device having a plurality of links, a transmitter that transmits a first frame including a first field that describes function information; the function information includes first information indicating whether first signal processing associated with machine learning can be performed; a wireless communication device that adds a link capable of performing the first signal processing when the first information described in the first frame indicates that the first signal processing is capable of being performed;

2. a receiving unit configured to receive a second frame including a second field describing functional response information; the functional response information includes the first information, 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a link capable of performing the first signal processing when the first information described in the second frame indicates that the first signal processing is capable of being performed;

3. a receiving unit that performs carrier sensing; the carrier sense includes a plurality of processes including at least a first process of measuring received power, a second process of determining whether the received power exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a third process of waiting for transmission for a predetermined time period; 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the first information included in the first frame received by the receiving unit during a predetermined time period indicates that the first signal processing can be performed, the receiving unit does not perform at least one of the first process, the second process, and the third process included in the carrier sense.

4. A communication method for a wireless communication device having a plurality of links, comprising: transmitting a first frame including a first field describing capability information; the function information includes first information indicating whether first signal processing associated with machine learning can be performed; A communication method comprising a step of adding a link capable of implementing the first signal processing when the first information described in the first frame indicates that the first signal processing is capable of being implemented.

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